#Artist: Théo Vallier
#Date: Until April 30, 2025
#Location: Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra
"Rust 'n' Streets": Layers of Time
Witnessing the Stories of the City Through Théo Vallier's Artistic Vision.
French artist Théo Vallier has been living in Phnom Penh since 2007, becoming a pioneer of the street art movement in Cambodia. He recently unveiled a new collection called “Rust 'n' Streets” at the Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, showcasing his profound understanding of the local culture. This series draws inspiration from the daily life of bustling markets to street vendors.
Each piece in Théo's collection captures the streets of Phnom Penh and Bangkok, as seen through his eyes. His creative process is akin to documenting the life of the moment. He enjoys the complexity of vibrant street scenes and the worn-down architecture, cherishing every passing instant. This contrasts with his previous graffiti style, as this new series portrays an abundance of intricate details that impress viewers.
In this collection, Théo dedicated substantial time and effort, opting to abandon traditional canvases in favor of metal sheets as his medium. He ingeniously utilizes the chemical effects of rust instead of paint, creating more than three layers for each artwork. By tracing the patterns of corrosion, he reveals the intrinsic beauty of iron and the historical depth embedded in his pieces, allowing viewers to feel the transformation of materials and the essence of life.
Théo employs a layered corrosion technique, experimenting with pure white paint to simulate rust effects, occasionally using white pens and water. His idea is to layer three different approaches to rust white paint, creating distinct oxidation effects and depths with each layer built upon the previous one. Moreover, the corrosion process takes over three weeks for each layer, exemplifying his meticulous pursuit of detail and deep passion for art.
In Théo's work, corrosion represents the passage of time, imprinting stories onto the urban landscape. This is not just an exploration of art, but a profound reflection on life. Through his art, he freezes the moments of now, allowing viewers to experience the stories and emotions behind each piece.
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✿ #phnompenh
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